GENERAL: When using an Amateur radio repeater, keep in mind these simple rules of the road. Always wait for the courtesy tone before keying your radio, you do not need to let the carrier drop completely. You also do need to let the courtesy tone sound before keying. If you key before the courtesy tone, you may time out the repeater. This means that the repeater will shut down for a length of time. Most repeaters are set for three minutes and some shorter. (Note: Many times a repeater is referred to as (the machine) If you find a net in operation and wish to participate, wait until the roll call is finished and net control calls for further check-ins. Then Give your name and call sign to net control and wait to be recognized, especially on a controlled net. Confirm your radio is in the duplex mode if you are using a repeater. The Duplex mode means that a, + or - sign will be in the display. Simplex mode does not have either a + or -. Remember that you are only responsible for your own call sign, which you should give at least once every 10 minutes. You do not have to use any other call signs when using a 2 meter repeater. On most repeaters, when you wish to enter a conversation or use the repeater use your call sign to bring up the repeater. On the most repeaters BREAK, or BREAK, BREAK indicates an emergency and will be responded too accordingly. Please remember that if you access the repeater for any reason you should give your call sign; it's the law. If you want to talk to anyone and there is no action on the repeater, some of the ways to get into a conversation are: your Call sign - listening your Call sign - standing by your Call sign - on frequency your Call sign - monitoring. Please always listen for at least 30 seconds before putting out a call. If you are scanning and run across a repeater that you have not used before and wish to make contact, always ask for the exact frequency once you have been recognized. You might be 5 KC's off and your signal will be distorted. Spend some time playing with the functions on you radio. Learn to use all the features according to the manual and practice until you can operate it without difficulty. Keep it mind that you should be about 2 inches from the microphone always. If you are to closer or to farther away the deviation will be off on either side. 5.5 is just right This test can be found on the deviation meter available on some repeaters When you are using the internal microphone in your hand held, remember that your breath will soon coat the microphone and radio with moisture and if it is not allowed to dry out, trouble. Never put you radio in a plastic bag other than for carrying. Never put a microphone in plastic it needs to breathe.